A Delightful Snake--A Subject For The Jeweler's Craft

Although we often associate the popularity of snake jewelry with royalty-- Queen Victoria's snake bracelet and serpent ring, its natural shape offered a multitude of design possibilities for jewelry designers. The snake was originally associated with the image of the devil. It was during the first half of the 1800s that it became representative of eternal love. Soon, with royal association, it became a jewelry craze.
Here is a striking example. Its emerald green enamel is enhanced by sparkling diamonds--especially the one in the snake's head and the one in the flower tail.

The brooch is 18K gold (tested) and marked "Puglia". We assume this is a maker's mark and its origin is Europe. It weighs 8.3 grams and measures 1 3/5 inch by 1 /1/4 inch. There is another mark on the "C" clasp which we cannot read. A tiny bit of solder is used to strengthen the "T" pin.